If you are looking at cars similar to Honda Pilot, you probably like its eight seats, smooth V6 and TrailSport trim for dirt roads. The Pilot is a strong all-rounder, but it is not the only vehicle that offers that mix. Here are 8 Honda Pilot alternatives, starting with the closest match, with seats, engines, towing and starting prices compared side by side.
Quick Answer: The Best Cars Similar to Honda Pilot
- Closest overall match: Toyota Highlander. Three rows, standard AWD and a 35-mpg hybrid option.
- Best for towing: Nissan Pathfinder. Up to 6,000 lb of towing.
- Best for value with a third row: Kia Telluride. Boxy style, a new hybrid and lots of features for the money.
- Best hybrid family SUV: Hyundai Palisade. A near-luxury cabin and a new hybrid.
- Best for power and space: Ford Explorer. Rear-drive layout, turbo power and a third row.
- Best for cargo room: Chevy Traverse. Huge cargo space and a 328-hp turbo-four.
What Makes the Honda Pilot Different?
To find a true match, it helps to know what you are matching. The fourth-generation Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV with a 285-hp 3.5L V6, a 10-speed automatic and seats for up to eight. TrailSport models add all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance.
| 2026 Honda Pilot | Spec |
|---|---|
| Seats | 7 or 8 |
| Engines | 3.5L V6, 285 hp |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb |
| Best EPA combined | Up to 22 mpg |
| Cargo space | 48.5 cu ft behind the second row |
| Starting price | About $43,700 |
The Pilot tows up to 5,000 lb and has 48.5 cubic feet behind the second row. For 2026 every Pilot gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Honda Pilot Competitors Compared
This table puts the main Honda Pilot competitors next to each other. Prices are rounded starting MSRPs and some brands list the destination fee separately, so check the final number on the brand’s site.
| SUV | Seats | Base engine | Max towing | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot (2026) | 7-8 | 3.5L V6, 285 hp | 5,000 lb | About $43,700 | Practical family use |
| Toyota Highlander (2026) | 7-8 | 2.4L turbo-4, 265 hp | 5,000 lb | About $45,300 | Reliability and resale |
| Kia Telluride (2027) | 7-8 | 2.5L turbo-4, 274 hp | 5,500 lb | About $40,700 | Value with a third row |
| Hyundai Palisade (2026) | 7-8 | 3.5L V6, 287 hp | 5,000 lb | About $40,400 | Hybrid family SUV |
| Ford Explorer (2026) | 6-7 | 2.3L turbo-4, 300 hp | 5,600 lb | About $40,000 | Power and space |
| Chevy Traverse (2026) | 7-8 | 2.5L turbo-4, 328 hp | 5,000 lb | About $44,800 | Cargo room |
| Nissan Pathfinder (2026) | 7-8 | 3.5L V6, 284 hp | 6,000 lb | About $39,000 | Three-row towing |
| Toyota Grand Highlander (2026) | 7-8 | 2.4L turbo-4, 265 hp | 5,000 lb | About $43,400 | Third-row space |
| Volkswagen Atlas (2026) | 6-7 | 2.0L turbo-4, 269 hp | 5,000 lb | About $40,800 | Cabin room |
8 SUVs Similar to Honda Pilot
Each of these cars similar to Honda Pilot gets a short profile: why it belongs on your shopping list, where it differs and who it suits. The list starts with the SUVs that come closest to the Pilot.
1. Toyota Highlander
- Engines: 2.4L turbo-4 (265 hp) or 2.5L hybrid (243 hp)
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 35 mpg combined
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $45,300
For 2026 every Highlander comes with all-wheel drive, and the lineup starts at the well-equipped XLE. The hybrid version gets up to about 35 mpg combined, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability and resale value comes along with it. Like the Pilot, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander: the Highlander gets 13 mpg more (up to 35 mpg combined) and offers a fuel-saving hybrid, while the Pilot starts about $1,600 lower and has a big cargo area and a TrailSport trim.
Best for: families who want low running costs and a third row.
2. Kia Telluride
- Engines: 2.5L turbo-4 (274 hp) or 2.5L turbo hybrid (329 hp)
- Max towing: 5,500 lb
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $40,700
The redesigned 2027 Telluride drops the old V6 for a turbo-four and adds the model’s first hybrid. It keeps the upright, boxy look, and the X-Pro trims add all-terrain tires and a 5,500-lb tow rating. It matches the Pilot because it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Honda Pilot vs Kia Telluride: the Telluride tows 500 lb more (up to 5,500 lb) and starts about $3,000 lower, while the Pilot has a big cargo area and a TrailSport trim.
Best for: value-focused families who want a rugged look.
3. Hyundai Palisade
- Engines: 3.5L V6 (287 hp) or 2.5L turbo hybrid (329 hp)
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $40,400
The all-new 2026 Palisade is bigger than before and now offers a hybrid that Hyundai says can top 30 mpg on the highway. The new XRT Pro trim adds off-road upgrades, and upper trims feel close to luxury. As with the Pilot, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Palisade: pick the Palisade if you want a vehicle that starts about $3,300 lower and offers more power (up to 329 hp). The Pilot is the better choice because it has a big cargo area and a TrailSport trim.
Best for: families who want a near-luxury cabin and a hybrid option.
4. Ford Explorer
- Engines: 2.3L turbo-4 (300 hp) or 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp)
- Max towing: 5,600 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 24 mpg combined
- Seats: 6 or 7
- Starting price: About $40,000
The Explorer rides on a rear-wheel-drive platform and offers strong turbo engines, including a 400-hp V6 in the ST. The Tremor trim adds off-road upgrades, and every model has three rows. Like the Pilot, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Honda Pilot vs Ford Explorer: the Explorer tows 600 lb more (up to 5,600 lb) and starts about $3,700 lower. The Pilot has a TrailSport trim for dirt roads.
Best for: buyers who want strong power and a third row.
5. Chevy Traverse
- Engines: 2.5L turbo-4, 328 hp
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 21 mpg combined
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $44,800
The Traverse offers 97.6 cubic feet of total cargo space and a 328-hp turbo-four. The Z71 trim adds a lifted suspension and a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system for snow and dirt roads. It matches the Pilot because it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Honda Pilot vs Chevy Traverse: the Traverse offers more power (up to 328 hp) and has 97.6 cubic feet of total cargo space. The Pilot has a smooth V6.
Best for: road-trip families who pack a lot of gear.
6. Nissan Pathfinder
- Engines: 3.5L V6, 284 hp (295 hp in Rock Creek)
- Max towing: 6,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 23 mpg combined
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $39,000
The Pathfinder tows 6,000 lb, more than most three-row crossovers, and the Rock Creek trim adds a tuned suspension and all-terrain tires. For 2026 it gets new front and rear styling and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. It matches the Pilot because it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Honda Pilot vs Nissan Pathfinder: pick the Pathfinder if you want a vehicle that tows 1,000 lb more (up to 6,000 lb) and starts about $4,600 lower. The Pilot is the better choice because it has a TrailSport trim for dirt roads.
Best for: families who tow a camper or boat.
7. Toyota Grand Highlander
- Engines: 2.4L turbo-4 (265 hp), 2.5L hybrid (245 hp) or Hybrid MAX (362 hp)
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 34 mpg combined
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $43,400
The Grand Highlander has a third row that adults can actually use and real cargo space behind it. Three powertrains are offered, including a 362-hp Hybrid MAX, and the regular hybrid gets up to 34 mpg combined. As with the Pilot, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Honda Pilot vs Toyota Grand Highlander: the Grand Highlander gets 12 mpg more (up to 34 mpg combined) and offers more power (up to 362 hp), while the Pilot has eight seats.
Best for: large families who use the third row every day.
8. Volkswagen Atlas
- Engines: 2.0L turbo-4, 269 hp
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 23 mpg combined
- Seats: 6 or 7
- Starting price: About $40,800
The Atlas is one of the widest and roomiest SUVs in its class, with a third row that fits adults on short trips. Its 269-hp turbo-four tows 5,000 lb. As with the Pilot, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Honda Pilot vs Volkswagen Atlas: pick the Atlas if you want a vehicle that starts about $2,900 lower and has one of the widest cabins in its class. The Pilot is the better choice because it has a TrailSport trim for dirt roads.
Best for: families who want a big, simple SUV.
Which Honda Pilot Alternative Fits Your Needs?
| If you need… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| More towing | Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride | Up to 6,000 lb, compared with 5,000 lb for the Pilot |
| Better fuel economy | Toyota Highlander, Toyota Grand Highlander, Ford Explorer | Up to 35 mpg combined, compared with 22 mpg for the Pilot |
| Standard all-wheel drive | Toyota Highlander | AWD comes on every trim |
| The lowest price | Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer | From about $39,000 |
How to Choose a Car Similar to the Honda Pilot
Start with how you actually use your SUV. Most buyers who compare SUVs similar to Honda Pilot care about a few numbers more than the rest, so check these first.
- Towing: The Pilot tows up to 5,000 lb. Check the rating for the exact engine and package you plan to buy, since many SUVs only reach their top number with an optional tow package.
- All-wheel drive and ground clearance: All-wheel drive helps in snow and on dirt roads. For rougher trails, look for extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires.
- Passengers and cargo: The Pilot has 48.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Bring your child seats and gear to the test drive to see what fits.
- Running costs: Compare EPA fuel ratings, insurance quotes and expected resale value, not just the sticker price.
When you shortlist cars similar to Honda Pilot, test-drive at least two of them back to back on the same roads. Ride comfort, seat comfort and cabin noise are hard to judge from a spec sheet, and they often decide which one feels right.
Which Car Is Most Similar to the Honda Pilot?
The Toyota Highlander is the car most similar to the Honda Pilot overall, because it has three rows, standard AWD and a hybrid option, with Toyota’s strong resale value. The Nissan Pathfinder is the pick for towing, the Kia Telluride is the pick for value with a third row and the Hyundai Palisade is the pick for a hybrid family SUV. Compare the towing, seats and prices of these cars similar to Honda Pilot in the tables above, then test-drive your top two before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Comparable to a Honda Pilot?
The Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer and Chevy Traverse are the most comparable models. Each is a three-row SUV, and most tow 5,000 lb.
What Are the Main Honda Pilot Competitors?
The main Honda Pilot competitors in the midsize SUV class are the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Grand Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas.
Is the Toyota Highlander Better Than the Honda Pilot?
It depends on what you need. The Highlander is the better pick if you want a vehicle that gets 13 mpg more (up to 35 mpg combined) and offers a fuel-saving hybrid. The Pilot is better because it starts about $1,600 lower.
Which SUV Tows More Than the Honda Pilot?
The Nissan Pathfinder (up to 6,000 lb), Ford Explorer (up to 5,600 lb) and Kia Telluride (up to 5,500 lb) all tow more than the Pilot’s 5,000 lb.
Is There a Hybrid Similar to the Honda Pilot?
Yes. The Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander all offer a hybrid version.
Which Honda Pilot Alternatives Have Standard All-Wheel Drive?
The Toyota Highlander comes with all-wheel drive on every trim. The Pilot offers AWD as an option.
What Is the Cheapest Car Similar to the Honda Pilot?
The Nissan Pathfinder is the cheapest pick on this list, starting at about $39,000. That is about $4,600 less than the Pilot.